Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation

Restoring Particularity

Tom Greggs

Clear presentation of Barth on election and universalism, and pneumatology

Clear presentation of Origen on apokatastasis, a topic of much controversy, and pneumatology, an under-researched aspect of his thought

Clear articulation of the relationship between the Son and the Spirit in salvation (economic dynamics)

Links the discussion to contemporary geo-political concerns

Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation

Restoring Particularity

Tom Greggs

Description

Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation offers a bold new presentation of universal salvation. Building constructively from the third- century theologian, Origen, and the twentieth-century Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, Tom Greggs offers a defence of universalism as rooted in Christian theology, showing this belief does not have to be at the expense of human particularity, freedom, and Christian faith.

Examining Barth's doctrine of election and Origen's understanding of apokatastasis, Greggs proposes that a proper understanding of the eternal salvific plan of God in the person of Jesus Christ points towards universal salvation. The relationship between the work of the Spirit and the Son in salvation is central to this understanding. Universal salvation is grounded in the person of Christ as himself historic and particular, and the Spirit makes the reality of that universal work of Christ present to individuals and communities in the present. The discussion includes creative suggestions for the political and ecclesial implications of such a presentation of salvation.

Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation

Restoring Particularity

Tom Greggs

Table of Contents

1. IntroductionI: Universalism in the Son 2. The Eternal Election of Humanity in Jesus Christ (Barth)3. Pre-existence and Restoration: Logos and Logika (Origen)4. Dialogue: The Restoration of Humanity in ChristII: Particularity through the Holy Spirit 5. The Present Work of God: Subjectivity and the Spirit (Barth)6. Spiritual Growth: The Work of the Spirit in the Saints of God (Origen)7. Dialogue: Restoring Particularity through the Holy Spirit8. Conclusion

Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation

Restoring Particularity

Tom Greggs

Author Information

Dr Tom Greggs is lecturer in Christian Theology at the University of Chester. He studied theology at Christ Church, Oxford University, and Jesus College, Cambridge University, where he also tutored papers in doctrine. He is a Methodist Local Preacher in Liverpool and project manager for Scriptural Reasoning in the University.

Barth, Origen, and Universal Salvation

Restoring Particularity

Tom Greggs

Reviews and Awards

"Tom Greggs's work is a very thoughtful piece on the logic and implications of universalism... stimulating and well-researched... this work [is suited] as a conversation partner for upper-level Masters students and those undertaking research into Universalism, salvation, and Barth's theology." --Trinity Journal